Are you experiencing any pre-holiday frenzy? In conversations with and observations of clients, friends, family, and strangers, the added stress experienced this time of year is noticeable. We’re either preparing to host or preparing to be hosted. Both can involve planning, organizing, shopping, cooking, and traveling. Even the most grounded among us can feel pressured and on edge. I had an interesting discovery this week that I’d like to share with you.

In preparation for Thanksgiving, I was running some errands. The parking lots were crowded, as were the stores. The traffic jams in the store aisles were met on the other side with long, slow check out lines. Navigating through the sea of people was tiring. I couldn’t wait to leave the crowds and return home.

As I exited the last store, the sun was setting. The clouds and sky were gorgeous shades of blue, orange and pink. I stopped, breathed slowly, and soaked in the visual feast that nature offered.

This pause helped alleviate my stress and focus on feelings of gratitude. Instead of feeling frazzled, I thought about the joy of having the family together at our house for Thanksgiving. The magnificent fall sky worked it’s magic.

There is so much to be grateful for. What are you noticing? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Come join the conversation.

Fall is a season of spectacular change. From weather cooling to leaves shifting colors, to kids coming and going. Maybe the atmosphere of change has inspired you to work on projects like organizing drawers and closets for cooler weather clothing or decluttering spaces to prepare for guests and holiday entertaining.

Talk about being inspired! Today I had the pleasure of meeting Kip Tindell, Founder, Chairman and CEO of The Container Store. What a gracious person! He’s just written a new book, Uncontainable, which I can’t wait to read! Kip was meeting, greeting and signing books today at one of his stores. 

Kip Tindell and Linda Samuels

In the spirit of change, inspiration, and my birthday, I’ve put together the Uncontainable Organizing Giveaway with fun tips and goodies especially for you. Part of the giveaway includes a “hot off the press” signed copy of Uncontainable.

Organizing Tips

• Change – This is at the core of any organizing project or endeavor. You’re at one point looking to travel to another. The road might be bumpy, but it’s well worth the journey. As you’re changing your habits, your systems, and physical surroundings, you might be letting go of beliefs that no longer serve you and possessions that have lost their meaning and purpose. Be open and curious about your discoveries as you create what “organized” looks and feels like to you.

• Inspiration – Sometimes our inspiration comes from within, but often we need external nudges. If you’re looking for some visual inspiration, check out the Oh, So Organized! Pinterest boards. You’ll find organizing solutions, words of wisdom, tips, videos, and articles collected for you.

• Birthdays – These are days to celebrate. We’re here. We’re alive. We’re grateful for the creative, loving people that surround us. As a way of celebrating my birthday (today), I thank all of you for being such a giving, supportive, community. If I could, I’d pass out cupcakes to everyone. Instead, let’s all take a minute, imagine the flickering candle on top of the cake (your favorite flavor of course), close your eyes, make a wish, and blow. Wishing your wish comes to fruition.

The Uncontainable Organizing Giveaway goodies were selected to inspire, organize, and rejuvenate you! The winner will receive everything described below (worth over $100):

Goodies Include:

• Autographed copy of Uncontainable by Kip Tindell
• The Container Store $25 gift card
• Oval turquoise metal bin from The Container Store
• Starbucks $25 gift card
• “the day was in dire need of a "Ctrl+Alt+Delete” sticky notes from Anne Taintor
• Autographed copy of The Other Side of Organized by Linda Samuels

Now what? The Uncontainable Organizing Giveaway starts on November 11^th. One winner will be selected (using random.org) on November 17th. There’s no time like the present. Keep reading and enter now!

Contest Rules:

• Comment on this blog post below about your latest organizing project or favorite organizing tip
• Comment about the giveaway on the Oh, So Organized! Facebook page
• Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter and include @LindaSamuels when you do
• Subscribe to The Other Side of Organized free monthly e-newsletter for continued inspiration and motivation
• Follow Oh, So Organized! on Pinterest and comment on this blog post about which of our Pinterest board you like best
• Comment on Linda Samuels - Oh, So Organized!’s Google+ page on the Uncontainable Organizing Giveaway post

Do one or all of the above to enter. The more you do, the more times your name will be entered to win (up to 6 total entries!)

You are personally invited to join the conversation (and giveaway) about change, inspiration, and organization. What are your thoughts? Good luck wishes to all of you!

What is the relationship between balance and passion? The answer will vary for each person. While there are many things that delight my eyes, soul, and body, my philosophy is to find a balance somewhere between complete immersion and moderation.

Even though I’m passionate about purple, I wouldn’t want the entire outside of our home painted that color. I do love however, having a purple front door. While I adore spending time with family and friends, I also need solitary time. What can say about chocolate? I love, love, love it, but I wouldn’t want to eat it for every meal.

Can we have too much of a good thing? For me, it is that balance between total indulgence and moderation that helps me to more deeply appreciate the many things I’m passionate about.

The holiday season is upon us. It is often filled with excess. Feeling balanced can be compromised by over-doing, over-shopping, over-eating, or over-engaging. Remember that you have choices. Pay attention to your limits so that you can fully appreciate what makes you joyful.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. How do you balance your passions? Is balance important to you? Come join the conversation.